Bromley Council is undertaking an extensive repair programme across nine of the borough’s libraries, investing over £10m over the course of two years.
The programme will deliver essential repairs to the libraries and seek to provide improved accessibility and sustainability throughout the buildings.
The libraries undergoing repairs are:
| Library | Estimated works period |
|---|---|
| Beckenham | April 2024 to January 2025 |
| Burnt Ash | September 2024 to February 2025 |
| Chislehurst | November 2024 to August 2025 |
| Orpington | February 2025 to September 2025 |
| Mottingham | March 2025 to July 2025 |
| Petts Wood | April 2025 to August 2025 |
| Penge | June 2025 to October 2025 |
| Hayes | August 2025 to December 2025 |
The programme has been designed in phases to minimise disruption to Bromley residents and maximise the amount of library space open at one time, redirecting users to alternative locations in close proximity where necessary.
Thank you for your patience during this period.
Current repair works
Beckenham Library is expected to reopen following refurbishment towards the end of January 2025. Essential repairs are being carried out, including the removal of hazardous and end-of-life materials, as well as installing new energy efficient windows and insultation. A new publicly accessible toilet with baby changing facilities is being created, the children’s library is being expanded, along with increased provision of study spaces.
Burnt Ash Library is expected to reopen following refurbishment works in February 2025. The repair programme has focused on improvements to the accessibility of the building, including garden access and the installation of an accessible public toilet, as well as essential replacement to end-of-life materials.
In addition to this programme, West Wickham Library is also being refurbished and is set to reopen to the public in April 2025.
Completed library repair works
Southborough Library reopened on Friday 16 August 2024 following the completion of essential repair works, including the creation of a new publicly accessible toilet with baby changing facilities, the installation of a mural in the children’s library, and general improvement works to the lighting, windows, and heating system. More desks and PCs have also been installed, as well as works to improve the accessibility and sustainability of the building.
St Paul’s Cray Library and the connected Community Support Centre reopened following refurbishment in August 2023. The redesigned library building included a new children’s area, computer suites, study areas, community hire spaces and accessible customer toilets.
Find all Bromley’s libraries and the latest updates from Bromley’s libraries through our library partner GLL.